For months before the annual event, they get up at dawn and trudge out to the field to practice before changing into suits and ties and begin holding hearings and debating bills.

The contest, currently scheduled for Nationals Park on Thursday, raises money for charity. It dates back to 1909, though the modern series began in 1962. The series is tied, 39-39.

"I never see any of that partisanship on the field," said Rep. Bill Pascrell Jr. (D-9th Dist.), the batting coach for the Democratic team. "It's important that we raise money for charity but we're not out there for our health. We want to win the game."

On Wednesday, a lone gunman fired shots at House Republicans as they were practicing in Virginina. A GOP leader, Majority Whip Steve Scalise of Louisiana was among those hurt. He was reported in stable condition and was undergoing surgery.

The shooter is in custody, Alexandria, Va., police said.

APD Chief Michael Brown updated media. 5 transported to local hospitals, including suspect. We will not ID victims or suspect right now. pic.twitter.com/pPYlqEjACM

"The vice president and I are aware of the shooting incident in Virginia and are monitoring developments closely," Trump said. "We are deeply saddened by this tragedy. Our thoughts and prayers are with the members of Congress, their staffs, Capitol Police, first responders, and all others affected."

Pascrell and the Democrats were practicing at a different field when the shots were fired.

I was on the field this morning for Democratic team practice when we heard about the horrific shooting across the river in Virginia.

After years of being played in a local park, the game was moved to the home of the Eastern League's Bowie Baysox in 1995 and then to Robert F. Kennedy Stadium when the Montreal Expos moved to Washington in 2005. The games have been played at Nationals Park since 2008.

The game's most illustrious alumni include Baseball Hall of Fame pitcher Jim Bunning, who represented Kentucky in the House and Senate; former Major League pitcher Vinegar Bend Mizell, an original New York Met and U.S. representative from North Carolina; and Pro Football Hall of Fame wide receiver Steve Largent, a U.S. representative from Oklahoma.

The Republicans reeled off eight wins in a row from 2001 to 2009, before the Democrats answered with seven consecutive victories. The GOP won last year's contest, 8-7.

The contest also gives special interests a chance to put their names before the lawmakers. This year's major sponsors include Toyota, which spent $5.4 million on lobbying in 2016, according to the Center for Responsive Politics; Anheuser-Busch InBev, which spent $5.7 million; Delta Air Lines, which spent $2.5 million, and Walt Disney Co., which spent $3.9 million.